Dual chamber variable geometry resonator

ABSTRACT

A resonator for attenuating pressure pulses is provided. The resonator includes a housing, a divider, a first neck, and a second neck. Walls of the housing form a cavity with a first and second opening. The divider is located in the cavity and cooperates with the housing to form a first and second chamber. The divider is rotatable to change the volume of the first and second chamber. The first neck is located between the first opening and the first chamber, and the second neck is located between the second opening and the second chamber.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a resonator for attenuatingacoustic pressure pulsations from an engine.

2. Description of Related Art

Internal combustion engines produce undesirable air induction noise inthe form of acoustic pressure pulsations. This induction noise dependson the engine configuration and engine speed and is caused by a pressurewave that travels from the inlet valve towards the inlet of the airinduction system.

Resonators for attenuating acoustic pressure pulsations in automotiveapplications are well known. The induction noise may be reduced byreflecting a portion the noise wave 180° out of phase with the noisewave. As such, Helmholtz type resonators have been used to attenuate thenoise wave generated from the air intake event.

Additionally and more recently, resonators have been developed thatchange the volume of the resonator to adjust for varying frequencies ofthe noise wave, as engine speed changes. Previous designs, however, havenot provided a wide enough frequency range to attenuate the variousnoise frequencies produced by the engine.

In view of the above, it is apparent that there exists a need for animproved resonator having broader flexibility to attenuate various noisefrequencies of the engine.

SUMMARY

In satisfying the above need, as well as, overcoming the enumerateddrawbacks and other limitations of the related art, the presentinvention provides a resonator for attenuating pressure pulses. Walls ofthe housing of the resonator form a cavity with first and secondopenings. A divider is located in the cavity and cooperates with thehousing to form first and second chambers. The shape of the housing andorientation of the divider is such that rotation of the divider changesthe volume of the first and second chambers.

Located between the first opening and the first chamber is a first neckand a second neck located between the second opening and the secondchamber. The first and second necks are configured to change neck lengthbased on the rotational position of the divider.

In another aspect of the present invention, the first neck has across-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the firstchamber. Similarly, the second neck has a smaller cross-sectional areathan the cross-sectional area of the second chamber.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, to change the rotationalposition of the divider based on engine speed, an actuator is connectedto the divider. Further, a first valve is in communication with thefirst neck and a second valve is in communication with the second neck.Each valve being configured to change the open area within theirrespective necks based on the engine speed.

Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will becomereadily apparent to persons skilled in the art after a review of thefollowing description, with reference to the drawings and claims thatare appended to and form a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a resonator in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view generally taken along line 2-2 in FIG.1 of a resonator in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a multiple dual resonator device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first dual resonator in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second dual resonator inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a resonator embodying the principles ofthe present invention is illustrated therein and designated at 10. Asits primary components, the resonator 10 includes a resonator housing12, a divider 16, a first neck 26, a first chamber 20, a second neck 46,and a second chamber 22.

The resonator housing 12 has walls 13 that form a main cavity 14.Located within the cavity 14 and separating the cavity 14 into a firstchamber 20 and a second chamber 22 is a divider 16. A seal 18, of acompressible durable material, is preferably attached to the divider 16between the divider 16 and the wall 13 of the resonator housing 12. Theseal 18 serves to separate the first and second chamber 20, 22preventing the transmission of pressure pulsations between the first andsecond chamber 20, 22.

A first opening 24 in the resonator housing 12 allows the first chamber20 to receive pressure pulsations for attenuation. Extending through thefirst opening 24 and into the first chamber 20 is a first neck 26. Afirst portion 30 of the first neck 26 is stationary, while a secondportion 32 of the first neck 26 may extend from or retract over thefirst portion 30 of the first neck 26.

The divider 16 is rotatable to change the volume of the first and secondchambers 20, 22. As shown, the divider 16 changes the volume of thefirst chamber 20 in proportion to a change in the volume of the secondchamber 22. In addition, a linkage 34 is connected between the divider16 and the second portion 32 of the first neck 26. The linkage 34 isattached to both the first neck 26 and the divider 16, and configured tochange the neck length of the first neck 26 based on an angular positionof the divider 16.

A first valve 28 is located in the first neck 26 and is configured toprovide a variable area within the neck 26 to control acoustic wavepropagation into the first chamber 20. The first valve 28 may open orclose to any position thereby changing the cross-sectional areaavailable for pressure pulsations to enter the first chamber 20.Further, the first valve 28 is in communication with a controller 58that controls the position of the first valve 28, via a proportionalsolenoid or motor, based on the engine speed.

A second opening 44 in the resonator housing 12 allows the secondchamber 22 to receive pressure pulsations for attenuation. Extendingthrough the second opening 44 and into the first chamber 22 is a secondneck 46. A first portion 50 of the second neck 46 is stationary, while asecond portion 52 of the second neck 46 may extend from or retract overthe first portion 50 of the second neck 46.

Connected between the divider 16 and the second portion 52 of the secondneck 46 is a linkage 54 that is configured to change the neck length ofthe second neck 46 based on an angular position of the divider 16. Asecond valve 48 is located in the neck 46 and is configured to provide avariable area within the neck 46 to control acoustic wave propagationinto the second chamber 22. The second valve 48 may open or close to anyposition thereby changing the cross-sectional area available forpressure pulsations to enter the first chamber 22. Further, the secondvalve 48 is in communication with the controller 58, which controls thesecond valve 48, via a proportional solenoid or motor, based on theengine speed.

To vary the angular position of the divider 16, a motor 56 is coupled tothe divider 16 to rotationally manipulate the divider 16. A controller58 is configured to drive the motor 56, thereby manipulating the angularposition of the divider 16, based on one or many vehicle parameters.Specifically, the controller 58 may manipulate the angular position ofthe divider 16 based on the speed or revolutions per minute of thevehicle's engine. The motor 56 includes an output shaft 60 that includesgear teeth to engage teeth of a gear 62 coupled to a shaft 64 supportingand manipulating the divider 16. Alternative connections between themotor 56 and the divider 16 to control the angular position of thedivider 16, may include various gearing configurations, multiple gearsets, direct drives, drive belts, chains and rollers to transfer torque.

Now referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, a dual resonator is provided inaccordance with the present invention. A dual resonator includes a firstresonator 70 and a second resonator 72. Both the first and secondresonator 70, 72 are of the type and having the same features asdescribed in the previous sections only formed of a single housing 74.To accommodate space restraints, the first and second resonator 70, 72may be created symmetrically about the housing 74. The housing 74 formstwo cavities that are divided by a partition wall 76. Each of thecavities is used by one of the first or second resonator to attenuatepressure pulsations.

The first resonator 70 has a first divider 78 that forms a first andsecond volume. A first neck 82 communicates with the first volume and asecond neck 83 communicates with the second volume. A first motor 84 iscoupled to the first divider 78 to rotate the first divider 78 therebyadjusting each of the first and second volume to change frequencyattenuation characteristics.

A first portion 90 of the first neck 82 is stationary, while a secondportion 92 of the first neck 82 may extend from or retract over thefirst portion 90 of the first neck 82. In addition, a first linkage 94is connected between the first divider 78 and the second portion 92 ofthe first neck 82. The first linkage 94 is configured to change the necklength of the first neck 82 based on an angular position of the firstdivider 78.

A first valve 96 is located in the first neck 82 and is configured toprovide a variable area within the first neck 82 to control acousticwave propagation into the first chamber. The first valve 96 may open orclose to any position thereby changing the cross-sectional areaavailable for pressure pulsations to enter the first chamber. Further,the first valve 96 is in communication with a controller 98 thatcontrols the position of the first valve 96, via a proportional solenoidor motor, based on the engine speed.

A first portion 100 of the second neck 83 is stationary, while a secondportion 102 of the second neck 83 may extend from or retract over thefirst portion 100 of the second neck 83. In addition, a second linkage104 is connected between the first divider 78 and the second portion 102of the second neck 83. The second linkage 104 is configured to changethe neck length of the second neck 83 based on an angular position ofthe first divider 78.

A second valve 106 is located in the second neck 83 and is configured toprovide a variable area within the second neck 83 to control acousticwave propagation into the second chamber. The second valve 106 may openor close to any position thereby changing the cross-sectional areaavailable for pressure pulsations to enter the second chamber. Further,the second valve 106 is in communication with controller 98 thatcontrols the position of the second valve 106, via a proportionalsolenoid or motor, based on the engine speed.

The second resonator 72 has a second divider 80 that forms a third andfourth volume. A third neck 86 communicates with the third volume and afourth neck 87 communicates with the fourth volume. A second motor 88 iscoupled to the second divider 80 to rotate the second divider 80 therebyadjusting each of the third and fourth volume to change frequencyattenuation characteristics.

A first portion 110 of the third neck 86 is stationary, while a secondportion 112 of the third neck 86 may extend from or retract over thefirst portion 110 of the third neck 86. In addition, a third linkage 114is connected between the second divider 80 and the second portion 112 ofthe third neck 86. The third linkage 114 is configured to change theneck length of the third neck 86 based on an angular position of thesecond divider 80.

A third valve 116 is located in the third neck 86 and is configured toprovide a variable area within the third neck 86 to control acousticwave propagation into the third chamber. The third valve 116 may open orclose to any position thereby changing the cross-sectional areaavailable for pressure pulsations to enter the third chamber. Further,the third valve 116 is in communication with controller 98 that controlsthe position of the third valve 116, via a proportional solenoid ormotor, based on the engine speed.

A first portion 120 of the fourth neck 87 is stationary, while a secondportion 122 of the fourth neck 87 may extend from or retract over thefirst portion 120 of the fourth neck 87. In addition, a fourth linkage124 is connected between the second divider 80 and the second portion122 of the fourth neck 87. The fourth linkage 124 is configured tochange the neck length of the fourth neck 87 based on an angularposition of the second divider 80.

A fourth valve 126 is located in the fourth neck 87 and is configured toprovide a variable area within the fourth neck 87 to control acousticwave propagation into the fourth chamber. The fourth valve 126 may openor close to any position thereby changing the cross-sectional areaavailable for pressure pulsations to enter the fourth chamber. Further,the fourth valve 126 is in communication with controller 98 thatcontrols the position of the fourth valve 126, via a proportionalsolenoid or motor, based on the engine speed.

As a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the abovedescription is meant as an illustration of implementation of theprinciples this invention. This description is not intended to limit thescope or application of this invention in that the invention issusceptible to modification, variation and change, without departingfrom spirit of this invention, as defined in the following claims.

1. A resonator for attenuating pressure pulses, the resonatorcomprising: a housing wherein walls of the housing form a cavity, thehousing having first and second openings; a divider located in thecavity and cooperating with the housing to form first and secondchambers, respectively define first and second volumes, the dividerbeing rotatable whereby rotation of the divider changes the first andsecond volume; a first neck located between the first opening and thefirst chamber; and a second neck located between the second opening andthe second chamber.
 2. The resonator according to claim 1, wherein thefirst neck is configured to change neck length based on a rotationalposition of the divider.
 3. The resonator according to claim 2, whereina neck length of the second neck is configured to change based on arotational position of the divider.
 4. The resonator according to claim1, wherein the first chamber has a larger cross-sectional area than thefirst neck.
 5. The resonator according to claim 4, wherein the secondchamber has a larger cross-sectional area than the second neck.
 6. Theresonator according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator connectedto the divider and configured to change a rotational position of thedivider based on engine speed.
 7. The resonator according to claim 1,further comprising a first valve in fluid communication with the firstneck.
 8. The resonator according to claim 7, wherein the first valve isconfigured to vary the open area within the first neck based on thespeed of the engine.
 9. The resonator according to claim 1, furthercomprising a second valve in fluid communication with the second neck.10. The resonator according to claim 9, wherein the second valve isconfigured to vary the open area within the second neck based on thespeed of the engine.
 11. A resonator for attenuating pressure pulses,the resonator comprising: a housing wherein walls of the housing form acavity, the housing having first and second openings; a divider locatedin the cavity and cooperating with the housing to form first and secondchambers, respectively define first and second volumes, the dividerbeing rotatable whereby rotation of the divider changes the first andsecond volumes; a first neck located between the first opening and thefirst chamber; a second neck located between the second opening and thesecond chamber; the first neck is configured to change neck length basedon a rotational position of the divider; a neck length of the secondneck is configured to change based on a rotational position of thedivider; the first chamber has a larger cross-sectional area than thefirst neck; and the second chamber has a larger cross-sectional areathan the second neck.
 12. The resonator according to claim 11, furthercomprising an actuator connected to the divider and configured to changea rotational position of the divider based on engine speed.
 13. Theresonator according to claim 11, further comprising a first valve influid communication with the first neck.
 14. The resonator according toclaim 13, wherein the first valve is configured to vary the open areawithin the first neck based on the speed of the engine.
 15. Theresonator according to claim 11, further comprising a second valve influid communication with the second neck.
 16. The resonator according toclaim 15, wherein the second valve is configured to vary the open areawithin the second neck based on the speed of the engine.
 17. A resonatorfor attenuating pressure pulses, the resonator comprising: a housingwherein walls of the housing form a cavity, the housing having first andsecond openings; a partition wall located in the cavity; a first dividerlocated in the cavity and cooperating with the housing and partitionwall to form first and second chambers, that respectively define firstand second volumes, the first divider being rotatable whereby rotationof the first divider changes the first and second volume; a seconddivider located in the cavity and cooperating with the housing andpartition wall to form third and fourth chambers, that respectivelydefine third and fourth volumes, the second divider being rotatablewhereby rotation of the second divider changes the third and fourthvolume; a first neck located between the first opening and the firstchamber; and a second neck located between the second opening and thethird chamber.
 18. The resonator according to claim 17, wherein thefirst neck is configured to change neck length based on a rotationalposition of the divider.
 19. The resonator according to claim 18,wherein a neck length of the second neck is configured to change basedon a rotational position of the divider.
 20. The resonator according toclaim 17, wherein the first chamber has a larger cross-sectional areathan the first neck.
 21. The resonator according to claim 20, whereinthe second chamber has a larger cross-sectional area than the secondneck.
 22. The resonator according to claim 17, further comprising afirst actuator connected to the first divider and a second actuatorconnected to the second divider, the first and second actuatorconfigured to change a rotational position of the first and seconddivider based on engine speed.
 23. The resonator according to claim 17,further comprising a first valve in fluid communication with the firstneck.
 24. The resonator according to claim 23, wherein the first valveis configured to vary the open area within the first neck based on thespeed of the engine.
 25. The resonator according to claim 17, furthercomprising a second valve in fluid communication with the second neck.26. The resonator according to claim 25, wherein the second valve isconfigured to vary the open area within the second neck based on thespeed of the engine.